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The Very Helpful Chats guide to applying for the NDIS

03

Contact a Local Area Coordinator

Find and contact a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). The LAC will gather your details and schedule a Community Connections Meeting. Find an LAC

04

Attend a Community Connections Meeting

The LAC will explain the NDIS process, eligibility criteria, and required supporting evidence. They will assess your individual circumstances and support needs.

05

Developing and Implementing your NDIS Plan

If approved, you will have a plan meeting with your LAC to discuss your funding, needs, and goals.​ At Very Helpful Chats, we offer ongoing psychology services, occupational therapy, and a range of assessments to help you achieve your goals. For further assistance with your NDIS journey, reach out to our team—we’re here to help!

Helpful tips for the planning meeting

  • Bring a support person: a support person can help clarify information and advocate for your needs

  • Be aware of subtext: questions may not always be straightforward. For example, "did you do any further study after high school" is often interpreted as "were you able to complete a post-school course?". Be sure to explain your full experiences! NDIS plan meetings contain many questions where the intent or context of the question is not directly stated or obvious to Autistic people. If you attend the planning meeting alone, you may miss subtext like this, leading to the NDIS incorrectly assessing your support needs and giving you a lower level of funding than you need to meet your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The NDIS application process can take up to 6 months, but it may take longer if there are delays or if further information is required.

  • As with any NDIS supported funding, this will depend on your goals and which therapies, activities or other support services align with them. Some examples of supports and services you may be able to access with your NDIS plan funds include: Psychological therapy, occupational therapy, Support for social and economic participation (such as employment assistance), Self-care, assistance with everyday activities, Assistive technology and equipment.

  • Yes! For Autistic clients or clients with psychosocial (mental health) disabilities who are NDIS participants, our Occupational Therapists (OTs) can provide an assessment of your functional capacity to provide evidence of your disability and demonstrate your support needs for your next funding review or to request a change in circumstances.

02

Gather your supporting documents

Before starting your NDIS application, collect all the necessary supporting documents. This may include medical reports, assessments or our Comprehensive Needs Assessment. This report outlines your disability and provides targeted information relevant to the NDIS eligibility criteria and is likely to give you the best chance of NDIS success.

01

Check your eligibility

You are eligible for NDIS funding if you meet the following NDIS criteria - 

  • You are aged between 7 and 65 years old (forchildren under 7, an NDIS early childhood partner can provide support and guidance on whether the NDIS is right for them).

  • You live in Australia and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa.

  • You have a permanent lifelong disability

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